AUBURN - The light-hearted sounds of original jazz compositions filled the halls of Willard Chapel, drawing the listener into the mind of Kevin Dorsey during his CD release concert Thursday evening. The CD, titled "Gateway," is the second CD released by Kevin Dorsey Collective. The first CD release concert was held in July 2003.

"Our first concert that we played together as a group was performed here at Willard Chapel," Dorsey said. "Holding the release concert here is like coming home. Willard Chapel is one of the most beautiful places in central New York, and it really feels like home for us. Our first release was two years ago, almost to the day, in this very spot."

Dorsey, a general music teacher at Seymour Magnet School for International Humanities and a lecturer at Cayuga Community College, had penned more than 75 compositions for an array of genres before putting together a band of his own. Kevin Dorsey Collective features several highly accomplished multi-instrumentalists, including Dorsey's high school music teacher Bob Piorun.

"Kevin and Jerry Bower were former music students of mine," Piorun said. "In fact, Jerry was my very first music student 41 years ago. It is great to be able to perform with these wonderful musicians."

Although each member of the group is involved with other musical endeavors, Kevin Dorsey Collective gives them each a chance to shine at what they love.

"This group is a refreshing challenge," said Bill Pomares. "It holds very unique styles with the harmonies that Kevin writes. It's really very interesting, high-quality stuff. It takes us as musicians to a higher level."

Dorsey first became interested in music in the seventh grade. According to his father, Jim Dorsey, he decided that he wanted to play tuba in the band even though he didn't know how. Yet he was determined to learn and so his lifelong passion for music began.

"Kevin has done it all himself," Jim Dorsey said. "He works very hard at his music and it shows."

Several audience members said the music captivated them and drew them into the moment of the sound.

"I typically listen to Christian rock," said Sean Kane, 16. "But this is very good. I really like listening to it."

Traveling from Sayre, Pa. Brian Murphy, vibraphonist for the group, regularly comes to the area to perform with several area musicians.

"They are some of the greatest musicians in this area," Murphy said. "I just love these guys. I really like to perform Kevin's music because he knows what he is doing and has some great original compositions."